The Khon Kaen University (KKU) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences hosted a significant ‘Professional Development and Attitude towards the Profession’ event for the academic year 2025, culminating in the prestigious White Coat Ceremony for its fourth-year students. This event marks a crucial step in their journey towards becoming professional pharmacists—key contributors to the nation’s healthcare system.

The ceremony took place on 29 November 2025 at Meeting Room 1, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University. Beginning at 08:00 hrs, the atmosphere was a blend of pride and excitement, transforming into a stage celebrating a major life transition for the students. The faculty, in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Club, organised the event. Students dressed in formal attire registered enthusiastically, while parents travelled from across the country to witness this important day, creating an atmosphere of dedication and support for the students entering their esteemed profession.

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ssistant Professor Narin Chansri, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, officially opened the event, offering remarks full of encouragement and high expectations. He also delivered a special lecture titled “The Current Situation of the Pharmaceutical Profession,” highlighting the pharmacist’s vital role in the contemporary era and the future direction for professional development.

“The White Coat Ceremony is an activity the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has continuously organised for many years,” stated Assistant Professor Narin. “This event is profoundly significant because it marks a period of transformation, where students transition from being general undergraduates to approaching the professional field during the fourth-year summer term.”

Assistant Professor Narin explained that during this term, students will undertake professional practice placements in hospitals or pharmacies. This real-world service requires them to wear the white coat, symbolising professionalism and responsibility.

“We use this opportunity to instil several crucial virtues and ethics, including professional conduct, accountability, and pride in the profession. We want students to be keenly aware that they are capable of performing their duties as pharmacists with full competence and pride. That is the genesis of this White Coat Ceremony,” he added.

He also noted the presence of the President of the KKU Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Association, who offered congratulations, well wishes, and emphasised professional pride to the students. A heartfelt addition to the event was the presence of the parents of the recipients, who joined to share in the joy of their children’s success during this pivotal step.

The event focused on enhancing students’ understanding of professional ethics, social responsibility, and appropriate attitudes for interprofessional collaboration. The fourth year is crucial for establishing fundamental pharmaceutical knowledge before students proceed to specialised fields of study in the fifth year and prepare for actual fieldwork during the summer term.

The highlight was the ceremonial presentation of the professional white coat. It is more than just an item of clothing; it is a symbol of their readiness to step forward as pharmacists armed with knowledge, capability, and a commitment to morality and ethics. Each white coat reflects both pride in the profession and accountability for providing pharmaceutical care to the public.

Following the main ceremony, the fourth-year students, led by Ms. Mintrada Hoisung, a fourth-year student, collectively took the oath of commitment and performed the traditional pharmacy song, “Mongkol Naam” (Auscipicious Name), expressing their unified pride and determination.

The President of the KKU Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Association also addressed the students, offering congratulations, encouragement, and sharing valuable professional experiences, fostering a strong connection between mentors and future practitioners.

The programme also included a candle lighting ceremony and the presentation of awards to outstanding fourth-year students, aimed at promoting continuous self-development. The event concluded with a group photograph of the students, faculty members, and parents on the lawn in front of Building 2, preserving the memory of this significant day.

This professional development event underscores the commitment of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences to producing highly competent medical and public health personnel at the regional and national levels. These students will be crucial contributors to enhancing the community’s and society’s healthcare systems, applying their acquired knowledge and skills to advance the pharmaceutical profession efficiently and responsibly.

The activity successfully prepared students for professional practice while instilling the values and ethical consciousness essential for pharmacists who are socially responsible and ready to strengthen and sustain Thailand’s public health system, marking a vital step in creating a new generation of quality healthcare champions for society.

 

 

 

The event focused on enhancing students’ understanding of professional ethics, social responsibility, and appropriate attitudes for interprofessional collaboration. The fourth year is crucial for establishing fundamental pharmaceutical knowledge before students proceed to specialised fields of study in the fifth year and prepare for actual fieldwork during the summer term.

The highlight was the ceremonial presentation of the professional white coat. It is more than just an item of clothing; it is a symbol of their readiness to step forward as pharmacists armed with knowledge, capability, and a commitment to morality and ethics. Each pure white coat reflects pride in the profession and accountability for providing pharmaceutical services to the public.

Following the main ceremony, the fourth-year students, led by Ms. Mintrada Hoisung, a fourth-year student, collectively took the oath of commitment and performed the traditional pharmacy song, “Mongkol Naam” (Auscipicious Name), expressing their unified pride and determination.

The President of the KKU Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Association also addressed the students, offering congratulations, encouragement, and sharing valuable professional experiences, fostering a strong connection between mentors and future practitioners.

The programme also included a candle lighting ceremony and the presentation of awards to outstanding fourth-year students, aimed at promoting continuous self-development. The event concluded with a group photograph of the students, faculty members, and parents on the lawn in front of Building 2, preserving the memory of this significant day.

This professional development event underscores the commitment of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences to producing highly competent medical and public health personnel at the regional and national levels. These students will be crucial contributors to enhancing the community’s and society’s healthcare systems, applying their acquired knowledge and skills to advance the pharmaceutical profession efficiently and responsibly.

The activity successfully prepared students for professional practice while instilling the values and ethical consciousness essential for pharmacists who are socially responsible and ready to strengthen and sustain Thailand’s public health system, marking a vital step in creating a new generation of quality healthcare champions for society.